He was accompanied by his occasional 'security assistant,' a man called Prawney, who was tall, bald, and African-American. These characteristics were practically mandatory at the security firm that employed Prawney. Many of its celebrity clients were white, and white celebrities always wanted big, shiny, black muscle. It was a status thing.
In the book Razor Girl by Carl Hiaasen, the protagonist is often accompanied by Prawney, an occasional security assistant. Prawney is described as tall, bald, and African-American, which reflects the typical profile preferred by the security firm he works for. This choice of appearance is linked to the firm's clientele, mostly white celebrities, who desire security personnel with a striking, muscular black appearance as a status symbol.
Hiaasen highlights the importance of image and perception in the world of celebrity security. Prawney's physical traits are not only practical but also serve to meet the expectations of high-profile clients who associate such characteristics with strength and prestige. This portrayal underscores how superficial attributes are often prioritized over other qualities in the world of celebrity protection.
